Depending on your situation, you will need to determine which licence you apply for and what the requirements are.

Applying for a general licence

A general licence authorises the supply of liquor for consumption both on and off the licensed premises.

Who would normally apply?

Any business with appropriate planning permission that wishes to supply alcohol for consumption on the premises, as well as to take away. Pubs, hotels and taverns would normally hold a general licence.

Trading hours

Applicants may also apply for additional trading hours

If you want to extend your trading hours past 1am, you will need to apply for a late night (general) licence.

Please note that a freeze is currently in place on granting applications to trade post 1am in the local government areas of Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington and Yarra unless there are exceptional circumstances. For more information, see Late night freeze.

Applying for a late night (general) licence

A late night (general) licence authorises the supply of alcohol for on-premises and off-premises consumption after 1am.

Who would normally apply?

Businesses wishing to trade on a general licence past 1am.

Please note that there is currently a freeze on late night licence applications in the Local Government Areas of Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington and Yarra. For more information, see Late night freeze

Mandatory water requirements

Licensed venues that supply alcohol for consumption onsite are required to provide free drinking water to their patrons. It will be left to the discretion of the licensee how water is supplied. Failure to supply free drinking water will attract substantial fines. To find out more about these conditions, see Free water for patrons.